Fever

by Carnal, MJ

  “Sorry,” she said, wiping her eyes and swallowing. “It’s hard to say right now. He’s unconscious, so it’s hard to determine the extent of his injuries until he’s been fully evaluated, Michael. Thank God he wore a helmet.” She slid down my body, resting her hands on my chest.

  Holding her cheek in my palm, I caressed the soft skin. “Is he going to live?”

  She leaned into my touch, closing her eyes. “I can’t answer that with certainty.” She didn’t open them as she spoke. “I know they will do everything they can, Michael.”

  I inhaled and held my breath, trying to not break down into tears.

  Joe and I had a bond. He was my rock and my best friend. We’d busted each other’s balls for as long as I could remember. I couldn’t even begin to think about a day without him in my life.

  I wouldn’t think about it.

  I rested my forehead against hers. “Just keep me posted, Mia. If you hear anything or if you get any information before us, please don’t keep it from me. The waiting is driving me fucking crazy.”

  She cupped my cheeks and whispered against my lips, “I will, Michael. I’m so sorry.”

  We stood there for a moment, not moving, touching each other before I kissed her and let her go. “I better go before someone comes looking for me. I need to be there with them.”

  “I wish I had met them under different circumstances.” She frowned, wiping the corner of her eye.

  Tipping back her chin, I kissed her lips softly and smiled. “They won’t remember. It’ll be a blur after all is said and done.” I rubbed my nose against hers. “Message me when you get any information.”

  “I will,” she said, before we walked in opposite directions.

  After I’d been pacing for an hour and staring at the monitor that stated Joseph Gallo—Surgery in Progress, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

  Mia: They’re starting now. No internal injuries and he woke up before surgery.

  I exhaled the breath I’d held in as I pulled out my phone. The sick feeling in my stomach and the lump in my throat subsided as I read her message.

  I hated hospitals and wouldn’t feel at ease until he walked out of the front door.

  Me: That’s good news, no?

  I looked around the room at my family—I couldn’t keep the news to myself. They looked as shitty as I felt.

  “I have news,” I said as I stopped in the middle of the room.

  Everyone looked in my direction with hope in their eyes.

  “How?” Isabella asked, scooting forward in her seat. “Doesn’t matter,” she said, shaking her head. “What is it?”

  “My friend who works here said Joe has no internal injuries and that he woke up before surgery. They’re working on his leg and hand now.”

  “Oh, thank God,” my ma said as her body visibly relaxed in my father’s arms.

  “He’s going to be okay?” Suzy asked, as she jumped from her seat and approached me.

  “Yes, Suzy, babe. He’s going to be okay,” I said, wrapping her in my arms. I rubbed her back until my phone started to vibrate. I looked over her shoulder to read the message.

  Mia: It’s great news. Still going to be a long recovery, but he’ll survive.

  Suzy clung to me, her silent sobs of joy dampening my shirt. Needing the comfort as much as she did, I rested my head against her hair and held her.

  “I was so damn scared, Mike,” she said, fisting my shirt in her hands.

  “I know, Suzy. We all were. You know Joe. He’s not going out that easy. He loves you too much to go out that way.”

  Instead of that consoling her, she cried harder into my chest, breaking out into a sob.

  “He’s never going back on that goddamn bike. Over my dead body,” she muttered into my shirt.

  I bit my lip, trying to hold in my laughter. “Good luck with that, Suz. But if anyone can keep him off that bike, it’s you.”

  She patted my stomach as she backed away.

  He was so head over heels in love with her that he’d do just about anything to make her happy, but his bike might be a bone of contention.

  I knew why my brother loved her so much. Suzy was a special kind of girl—the needle in the haystack. Why he hadn’t married the girl was one thing I didn’t understand.

  They had recently begun building a home on his property in the middle of nowhere. They called it a “love shack,” but it was more like a grand palace. My mother was giddy when she learned they would have five bedrooms. She started planning for her future grandchildren immediately like a woman possessed, hence the baby blankets.

  I tossed my phone on the side table as I collapsed in the chair and rested my head against the wall. I couldn’t relax, even though my eyes burned and my body felt heavy.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the phone dancing across the Time magazine, and I scooped it up. I rubbed my eyes as I looked at the screen.

  Mia: I’m in the hallway, come out.

  Looking around, I saw her standing in the corner as she motioned for me. My heart sank until I noticed the smile on her face, but I couldn’t shake my paranoia about the entire situation.

  “I’ll be right back,” I said as I stood and walked out.

  “Hey,” she said, walking to me.

  “Everything all right? Something wrong with Joe?” Reaching out, I grabbed her hand and squeezed.

  “Nah, he’s doing great and your family will be able to see him soon.” Peeking over my shoulder, she looked in the waiting room. “I wanted to make sure you’re okay. I needed to check on you.”

  I smiled, brushing my thumb across the back of her hand. “Aw, you got a soft spot for me, doc?”

  She punched me in the shoulder. “You ass. I was being nice and thoughtful, but you’re smug as always, I see.” She laughed, the joy touching her eyes.

  “I’m doing okay. Everyone is relieved and waiting to see him.”

  “His surgeon will be in soon to talk and give you the details.” She smiled and closed her eyes, exhaling. “I’m glad he made it, Michael.” She blinked slowly as her face softened, the smile gone.

  “Me too, Mia.” I slid my hand up and down her arm before grasping her hand again. “When’s your shift end?”

  “I don’t get off work until tomorrow,” she said, moving closer.

  “I’m sure I’ll see you around tonight and in the morning. I’ll be in and out, but can I see you after work tomorrow? Away from all this.” I waved my hand in the air.

  “I’ll be exhausted and useless, but if you want to…I’m yours.” Her large hazel eyes sparkled as she smiled.

  Warmth spread through my body; from my core it radiated outward to my limbs. “Text me when you’re done if I don’t see you before then.” I touched her cheek. I wanted to lean forward and kiss her, but I stopped myself.

  It took everything in me not to give in to my craving.

  “I have to go,” she said, touching my hand.

  The electricity between us felt as strong as the first time we touched.

  “I’ll text you when I’m done,” she said, and pecked me on the lips.

  “Don’t forget me,” I whispered, swiping my finger against her soft cheek.

  “One thing you aren’t is forgettable, Michael.”

  She smiled before walking away, and glanced back before turning the corner, disappearing.

  Looking at the floor with a stupid grin on my face, I walked toward the waiting room and was met with a pair of black leather boots.

  “Who’s the girl?” Izzy asked, with a shitty grin and her arms across her chest.

  My big-mouth sister should be the undercover cop. She never let anything get past her.

  Looking at her with my mouth set in a straight line, I responded, “My friend.”

  Grinning at me, she turned her head to the side, essentially calling bullshit. “Uh huh,” she muttered before moving to the side, letting me pass.

  Her stiletto boots click-clacked against the floor as she followed
me. She stopped in front of our ma as my ass hit the chair.

  “Ma, Michael’s friend is a female doctor at the hospital. They looked to be a little more than friends, too.” Izzy smirked as my mother looked at me and then back to her.

  “Isabella, leave your brother alone,” my ma said in a stern voice, as Izzy sat next to my father and rested her head on his shoulder, glaring at me.

  Patting the chair, my ma called to me, “Come sit with me, Michael.”

  I moved to the seat next to her and winked at Izzy.

  My ma squeezed my leg before turning to me. “Did she say anything about your brother?”

  I told her everything Mia had shared with me about Joe.

  I could see my ma’s entire body relax with each word. “Is she your girl, son?” she asked, with a small smile on her face when I finished.

  Laughing, I shook my head. “I don’t know what we are, Ma. We just met a bit ago.”

  “It was nice of her to give you information about Joseph. She a good girl, baby?”

  I didn’t want to get into a debate on her meaning of good. To me, she was that and more. “Yes, Ma. I think she actually is.” I grinned, thinking about her tiny snores as she slept.

  “Don’t let that one go, you hear me?” She arched her eyebrow as she stared at me.

  “We just met, Ma.”

  “A mother knows, son.” She winked.

  “You just want grandbabies. Let me get to know her first, but I’ll hold on tight if she’s the one for me, Ma.”

  “Good, Michael. Now go grab me a cup of coffee, please?”

  “Light and sweet?” I asked as I stood.

  I’d do anything she asked me to do. I loved my ma.

  She was my first love.

  “No other way,” she said, laughing.

  “Anyone want anything? I’m headed to the cafeteria,” I asked, happy to be leaving the room for a bit. I needed to stretch my legs and get some fresh air.

  Standing up, Anthony replied, “I’m coming with you. I need to get out of this room for a while.”

  “We’re good,” my pop said, placing a hand on Izzy’s shoulder as she tried to stand, forcing her back in her seat.

  My sister’s face turned red and I expected to see fire come out of her nose, but she remained quiet, for once.

  I stirred the sixth packet of sugar in my ma’s coffee as Anthony paid for his drink.

  Someone poked me in the shoulder. “Mikey,” a female voice purred in my ear.

  Fucking shit. I knew that voice.

  Tammy.

  Psycho Tammy.

  Scrapbook Tammy.

  Closing my eyes, I felt the need to slap my ear like a gnat buzzed around it, annoying me.

  “Where ya been, baby?” she said, grabbing my ass.

  I jumped, and the coffee spilled, scalding my hand. “Fuck,” I said, gritting my teeth.

  I crumpled the packets in my hand and turned around. I didn’t really need her fucking bullshit right now.

  “Sorry.” She smiled as I glared at her. Her smile fell. “I’ve missed you.” She reached out, trying to touch me.

  “Tammy.” I backed away, my ass bumping into the counter.

  “Mikey, I’ve been thinking about you for days.” She wrapped her arms around me. “Why haven’t you texted me back?” She stared in my eyes, pouting.

  Anthony made faces at me as I looked to him for help. He knew all about her kind of crazy, and loved to see me miserable whenever possible.

  Dickhead.

  Grabbing her arms, I peeled her off me. “Tammy, we’re nothing. You need to get some help.”

  Her mouth gaped open as she gasped for air.

  Holding her firmly, I quietly said, “I don’t want to see you or get another text from you. Forget I ever existed.” I pushed her body away from mine.

  She glared at me. “How could you say that, Michael? We’re engaged.” Holding her hand in front of my face, she wiggled her finger. A very large diamond ring sparkled on her finger.

  She was fucking crazier than I thought.

  Shaking my head, I tried to remain calm. “I don’t know who gave that to you, but it wasn’t me. We. Are. Not. Engaged.”

  Anthony doubled over in a fit of silent laughter, his body shaking as he grabbed his chest.

  Her eyes grew wide, and she covered her mouth with her hand as she shook her head.

  “Seriously, Tammy, get some fucking help. I didn’t give that ring to you. Don’t ever say those words to anyone. We. Are. Nothing. You hear me? Nothing.” I gritted my teeth; my jaw ached as I tried to keep myself from screaming.

  She shook her head vigorously. “Don’t say such hurtful, mean things, Michael.”

  When she reached out to touch me, I grabbed her wrist and stopped her. “I got too much shit going on right now to deal with your crazy bullshit.” Releasing her wrist, I stepped back and glared at her. “Stay the hell away from me.”

  I smacked my brother on the back of the head as I walked by him and away from Tammy. I needed to get the fuck out of here.

  “But I’m having your baby!” she yelled, her voice echoing through the cafeteria.

  I stopped dead, my body stiffening as my blood turned cold.

  What the fuck did she just say?

  Bitch just played her last damn hand, and I sure as fuck wasn’t going all in.

  I turned around, pointing at her. “I have to go, Tammy. I’ll deal with your ass later. Don’t call me. I’ll call you when I’m ready.” I dropped my hand to my side. I squeezed my hands into hard fists before leaving her in the dust.

  Chapter 13

  Walking into the bathroom, I saw the nosy nurse who’d pointed out my hickey in tears. It was too late to turn around without looking like a total asshole.

  Just my fuckin’ luck.

  She leaned on her hands, bending over the sink, her tears plopping into the bowl.

  I sighed, wanting to walk away.

  I really didn’t give a shit what made her sad, but my humanity won.

  Asshole conscience.

  “Are you okay?” I asked as I approached.

  “No,” she said, sliding the back of her hand across her face, wiping the tears.

  “Sorry, I’ll leave you be.” I stepped back and reached for the door handle.

  “No, don’t go,” she said, turning toward me. “Everyone leaves me,” she wailed, her body almost collapsing against the counter.

  “Fuck,” I muttered under my breath as I rushed to her side.

  How in the hell do I get involved in these situations?

  “I’m here. What can I do?” I asked, sounding thoughtful, surprising myself.

  “There’s nothing anyone can do.” She hiccupped as she cried.

  “Everything is fixable.” I patted her back and stared at the ceiling. “I only have another moment between patients. I’m sorry.”

  “My fiancé left me and I’m pregnant.” She choked on her words, starting to fall forward again.

  I held her, pulling her upright. “That’s terrible,” I said, trying to be horrified.

  “How could he be so mean? He acted like we never meant anything to each other.”

  I had the words on the tip of my tongue, but I bit it instead. “Maybe he’ll change his mind.”

  If the man had any sense, he’d run for the hills or go into witness protection.

  “I have to win him back.” Standing up, she looked into my eyes. “He needs to understand all he’s giving up by walking out on us.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he has no idea.” I knew I sounded snarky, but whatever.

  “I can do it, you’re right.” She blotted her cheeks with her fingers and smiled. “Thank you so much.” Her tears vanished.

  Cuckoo.

  Wrapping her arms around me, she squeezed so hard I thought my ribs were going to crack.

  “I have to go,” I said, pulling away.

  “Oh, sorry,” she said with a half-smile. Mascara had smeared down her cheeks and her eye
s were red and swollen. “You helped me more than you’ll ever know.” Her smile grew wider.

  “Don’t give up the fight,” I said, walking out the door.

  “I won’t,” she yelled, as the door swung shut.

  I shook my head and wondered what the hell happened to my normal stressful day at the hospital. Today had been one for the record books.

  The night had been relatively calm compared to the nutty nurse and thinking Michael had been seriously hurt.

  His brother was in ICU for the night post-surgery. When I’d looked at his chart earlier, it stated that he would be moved to a regular room tomorrow if he did well through the night.

  The ICU was quiet and the lights were dim as the sounds of the ventilators, heart monitors, and other machines filled the hallway. I wanted to check in on him and see if he needed anything.

  Michael’s brother crouched in the hall outside his room, leaning against the wall, typing on his phone. Looking up at me, he smiled. “Hey,” he said, trying to stand, but he fell over, catching himself on the wall. “Fuck,” he mumbled.

  Rushing to his side, I reached for him. “Hey, are you all right?” I asked.

  Waving me off, he said, “Yeah, just exhausted. This has been a day from hell.” His shoulders slumped as he sighed.

  “Why don’t you try and catch a couple hours sleep in the visitor’s lounge? He wouldn’t want you to make yourself sick.”

  “I will soon. You looking for Mikey?” He grinned, making the bags under his eyes more pronounced.

  Laughing at the nickname, I replied, “Yeah, is he still here?” I looked around.

  “He’s inside, but he was asleep when I came out here,” he said, pointing to the room behind him.

  “I’ll just text him. Everyone may be sleeping and I don’t want to disturb anyone.”

  He laughed. “My family is the disturbance. They’re loud and obnoxious in the most loving way, but I don’t blaming you for not wanting to go into the lion’s den.” He shook his head. “At least not armed.”

  I barely knew any of them, but I wanted to. They seemed loving and playful, just my kind of people. The funny smartass personality must be hereditary.